Read about the journey of a local lecturer-turned-illustrator

DRAWING INSPIRATION FROM THE HEARTLANDS

ISSUE 25Jan/Feb 2020

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EDITORIAL ADVISERSEileen Neo, Shivvonne Wong, Jeremy Choy, Peh Yang Yu, Keegan Lim

PUBLISHING AGENTThinkFarm Pte Ltd

Managing DirectorChristopher Tay

EditorDang Hui Ling

Head, CreativeSean Lee

Art DirectorLee Lily

ContributorsFiona Chen, Jasmine Alimin, Cheryl Sim, Ahmad Iskandar, Justin Loh, Mark Lee, Vernon Wong, Gina Ang, Lee Kow Fong

Head, Client Relationship Jessie Kek

Life Storeys is a quarterly community publication by the Housing & Development Board, bringing you stories and happenings from your neighbourhood. Join us in creating a gracious and harmonious living environment for all! You can also access the electronic version at http://hdb.gov.sg/lifestoreys or scan the QR code below.

CONTENTS

Copyright ©2020Housing & Development Board All rights reserved. No part of this material may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means.

This publication is printed on FSC™-certified paper. The paper choice and printing methods are green and environmentally friendly, leaving behind a smaller carbon footprint.

Printed by KHL Printing Co Pte Ltd

Happy New Year! We hope you kick-started 2020 with an amazing time with your family and friends!

This issue, we continue to focus on community-driven events and initiatives in the heartlands. We joined participants for a series of workshops marking the launch of a new season of the Lively Places Challenge 2020 (previously known as HDB Build-a-thon). Find out what we discovered about ideation processes in Talk of the Town.

There are more landmarks and storied history to Toa Payoh, other than the iconic dragon playground. Check out the shops and eateries that you shouldn’t miss when you are in the area! In addition, follow our journey around Punggol’s Explorer Trail and learn more about this vibrant eco-friendly town in Around the Block.

To help seniors better understand the benefits of the Merdeka Generation Package and promote engagement with their community, a string of roadshows was organised islandwide. Also featured in Our Life Stories is Singaporean artist Lee Kow Fong (Ah Guo), who shared about his leap of faith to pursue his passion for children’s book illustrations.

After all the Chinese New Year feasting, we offer tips on how you can expend the excess calories from the festive goodies in Livin’ It Up.

Last but not least, stand a chance to win shopping vouchers by participating in our Readers’ Survey at http://hdb.gov.sg/lifestoreys!

We hope you enjoy reading this issue of Life Storeys.

The Editorial Team

Dear Readers,

ISSUE 25 JAN/FEB 2020

TALK OF THE TOWN 01 Designing for Change

AROUND THE BLOCK06 Touring Toa Payoh

08 Eat, Drink & Shop Merry in Toa Payoh!

10 A Walk Down the Eco-friendly Lane

OUR LIFE STORIES12 Ageing with Benefits

14 Drawing for Keeps

LIVIN’ IT UP16 Belly Happy

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06

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Talk of the Town

01

Living in one of Singapore’s many HDB estates is very much community-centric, and the Lively Places Challenge aims to foster a stronger community spirit in the heartlands by encouraging residents to be active contributors to the very environment they live in.

This islandwide initiative began as the HDB Build-a-thon, which was launched in 2014 to invite residents to conceive projects that would add vibrancy to their neighbourhoods while fostering a stronger sense of identity and belonging.

This year, residents from eight towns were invited to participate in the initiative, now renamed as the Lively Places Challenge, namely Bishan, Bukit Panjang, Choa Chu Kang, Punggol, Sengkang, Tampines, Toa Payoh, and Yishun. From the get-go, the participants, who included representatives from Residents’ Committees (RCs), residents and schools, were guided by a comprehensive Learn, Engage and Co-create process that aimed to bring their ideas to fruition.

Talk of the Town

DESIGN -ING FOR

THE LIVELY PLACES CHALLENGE 2020 KICKED OFF IN OCTOBER 2019 WITH A SERIES OF WORKSHOPS GEARED TOWARDS HELPING PARTICIPANTS TURN THEIR COMMUNITY-CHANGING IDEAS INTO REALITY.

Change

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A series of Training & Engagement workshops was conducted across five zones in October and November 2019 — a Design Thinking workshop, followed by a Check-in Session several weeks later.

The learning advantageThe Design Thinking workshops were led by mentors from the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP), National University of Singapore (NUS), and Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), with different methods and practices imparted to each zone.

During the North East Zone’s workshop at Sengkang Primary School on 2 November 2019, SIT Assistant Professor Nicholas Teo walked the attendees through a lecture on the design thinking process, explaining how fundamentals, such as developing a user journey map

By integrating games and rewards into the workshop, we managed to get more energetic responses from the participants. Some of them came with preconceived notions but after the session, they realised that their ideas need to be refined and more grounded. Public engagement and observation is crucial to identify if their project is suitable for execution.- SUMMER HA, 29, RESEARCH ASSOCIATE, ARCHITECTURE AND SUSTAINABLE DESIGN FACULTY, SUTD

and conducting their own research methodologies, could help them progress with their initiatives.

“Design ideation plays a big part in creating functional outcomes. It is important to ensure that research of the end-users is a key part of that process. There are methods that range from participatory design to co-design, which are different ways that designers can engage with the users on a deeper level," said Dr Teo.

This was followed by an idea refinement session, where the groups filtered out the unfeasible ideas by applying what they had learned, with Dr Teo and his team providing input on the teams’ plans.

Next, the participants visited the actual sites where their projects would be executed to garner residents’ feedback about their ideas. Over at Waterway Cascadia, conversations with residents allowed the team to gather useful opinions from the people who would directly benefit from their project. This allowed them to refine their prototypes of transforming two unused void decks into vibrant community spaces.

Over at the East Zone’s session conducted at Tampines Changkat Community Club on 23 November 2019, participants were given a crash course on Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) concepts, and Mapping and Engagement Strategies, facilitated by Ngee Ann Polytechnic lecturers Mr Javihn Chan and Mr Daryl Chan.

During the first half of the day, Mr Javihn led the introduction into ABCD. Using various group discussions and case studies to fuel understanding, Mr Javihn explained how the ABCD framework galvanises the community into action by drawing on the strengths of its people, whether physical or personal. Empowering the community in this ground-up manner fosters stronger bonds and

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Talk of the Town

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motivates everyone to create new opportunities for themselves in the process.

Mr Daryl’s segment focused on the importance of community mapping in identifying and strengthening project goals and objectives. In addition, he explained how community engagement is critical for participants to form better insights into how their proposed project can meet the needs of residents and members of the public.

“We teach our students how to frame their projects by looking at the data first, and how to synthesise it and use it to create better ideas,” said Mr Daryl.

To grasp a better sense of the community mapping techniques, the groups conducted mock site inspections at nearby void decks. While one group focused on a fruit and herb garden maintained by residents, another was invited into the home of a resident who embraced their plans for a tech-driven event. With this feedback, the groups were ready for the actual site inspection, which was held later that afternoon.

Time for an updateReconvening a few weeks later, the groups presented their final ideas to the resource persons from various agencies, such as the Town Council, as well as the facilitating schools like SUTD. The Check-in Session at the East Zone on 30 November 2019 was a particularly rousing one, with participants, facilitators and resource persons all adding to the lively discussions that ensued.

Urban planning has always been a very top-down approach, so it’s good to see that the authorities are receptive to letting the community create their own identity and people-places. - FATHIMAH FATHAH, 26, URBAN PLANNING POST-GRADUATE AT NUS AND HEAD OF “THE URBANIST”

“I think this is a very good platform for people from diverse backgrounds to create a better community. It’s also interesting to see how different the ideas are across the different age groups! For example, the younger generation prefers using technology to connect people, while the older participants are more into hands-on activities,” shared Mr Wang Yam Peng, deputy general manager at Tampines Town Council.

Armed with new knowledge and these fresh perspectives, the participants will be implementing their ideas through to March 2020. Their efforts will culminate during HDB Community Week 2020, where these projects will be showcased and the winning teams announced in an awards ceremony.

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Talk of the Town

LIVELY PLACES PROGRAMME

WHAT IS IT?The Lively Places Programme is a joint initiative by HDB and URA to support community-led efforts in enlivening Singapore’s public spaces.

Project Fund (up to $5,000)This is for event initiatives that activate spaces or bond neighbours in HDB neighbourhoods.

Building Fund (up to $5,000) - Implementation period of 6 months or less after installation; and Building Fund (up to $20,000) - Implementation period of more than 6 months after installationThis is for projects involving installations that bring about a physical transformation of existing public spaces.

WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF FUNDING AVAILABLE?Street Closure (up to $5,000)This is for projects that transform streets into active public spaces for the community.

Who can apply for the funding?• Singaporean Citizens

and permanent residents

• Individuals or as a team

How do I ensure that my ideas get funded?

For more information, visit https://www.hdb.gov.sg/cs/infoweb/community/getting-involved/lively-places-programme.

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06

TOA PAYOH IS ONE OF SINGAPORE’S OLDEST

ESTATES THAT HAS THE DISTINCTION OF BEING

VISITED NOT JUST ONCE, BUT TWICE, BY HER

ROYAL MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II!

TOURING

Block 53, Lorong 5Back in the day, Block 53 at Lorong 5 formed a distinct part of the skyline as one of the neighbourhood’s tallest blocks and was the only high-rise with a unique Y-shaped design. There are iconic buildings and that status certainly belongs to Block 53 — after all, it is Singapore’s first block of public housing apartments that Queen Elizabeth II visited during her maiden visit to the country.

Accompanying her on this momentous occasion on 18 February 1972 were other dignitaries who included Singapore’s second president Benjamin Sheares and Sir William Goode, the last British governor of Singapore. In 2006, Queen Elizabeth II visited Toa Payoh again, for a second time.

Toa PayohTOA PAYOH

My best memory of living in Toa Payoh has to be receiving Queen Elizabeth II at my old home. I remember my parents making sure that the flat was spick and span, and that we were dressed appropriately to receive the VIPs. Of course, there was a lot of anticipation building up towards the big day! – JEROME LIM, 54, SELF-EMPLOYED

Toa Payoh, the first estate developed by the HDB and the poster town for being a public housing model, is famous for a few milestones, such as being the location where the MRT held the inaugural ceremony that kick-started operations back in 1987.

Today, Toa Payoh remains one of the busiest estates as well as among the most coveted, thanks to its proximity to the city. Besides the iconic Dragon Playground, here are five more landmarks to discover in the area.

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Around the Block

Thanks to its beautifully landscaped grounds, the verdant park was one of the most popular wedding photoshoot venues in the 1980s. It is also home to a diverse population of flora and fauna — in fact, more than 20 species of damselflies and dragonflies have been spotted here!

TOA PAYOH TOWN PARK

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Toa Payoh Sports ComplexIn 1973, Singapore was abuzz at the prospect of hosting the Southeast Asian Peninsular Games (now known as the Southeast Asian Games) for the very first time. Four residential blocks in Toa Payoh were chosen as the Games Village for visiting athletes and officials.

Constructed specially for the event, the Toa Payoh Sports Complex comprises a stadium, a swimming complex, and a sports hall. Since then, the Complex has been maintained for the community. It has also served as a venue for other major sports events, such as the 2009 Asian Youth Games and the inaugural Youth Olympic Games in 2010.

I’ve lived in Toa Payoh for more than 20 years. Although I don’t really remember using the facilities at the Toa Payoh Sports Complex back then, now that I have children, I find myself going there a lot more. My children enjoy swimming there, and it’s just super convenient for us to visit as a family, as it is located in the neighbourhood. – AZMAN IVAN TAN, 41, CEO OF A LOCAL START-UP

Chung Hwa Medical InstitutionAt a glance, the palatial Chung Hwa Medical Institution seems uprooted from a bygone Chinese dynasty. Fittingly, visitors can expect to receive exemplary services at the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) clinic in its premises.

The building also houses the Singapore College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Chinese Medical and Drugs Research Institute, and the Chinese Acupuncture Research Institution. It is also the headquarters of the Singapore Chinese Physicians’ Association, the country’s recognised authority in the TCM field.

Dragon PillarWhile Toa Payoh’s most famous dragon resides at the playground on Lorong 6, another dragon can be found elsewhere in the estate — specifically, in front of Block 91 at Lorong 3. Here, the mystical creature is curled around a red pillar, which is thought to have been built to enhance the fengshui of the area (in Chinese culture, dragons represent wealth and good fortune).

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Toa Payoh’s dining and retail landscape features an eclectic mix that leaves both residents and visitors spoilt for choice, with a handful of notable establishments worth travelling for.

The Larder CafeBlk 177, Toa Payoh Central, #01-124, Singapore 310177A stone’s throw from Toa Payoh MRT station, The Larder Cafe is still going strong after four years in business. With its concrete screed flooring, industrial-style decor, and abundance of natural light, it’s hard to imagine the cafe being located at an HDB shophouse.

The biggest draws for the cafe’s returning customers are its friendly service, extensive menu, and generous portions at affordable prices — most of the mains are priced below $20. According to the staff, bestsellers include the Honey Baked Ham Eggs Benedict, Black Mama Pork Burger, and BBQ Pork Ribs. During our visit, their wide selection of homemade ice cream was also a hit among the full-house crowd.

DID YOU KNOW? You can save on service charge and GST at The Larder Cafe. Advance reservations are recommended.

IT IS NO SURPRISE THAT ONE OF SINGAPORE’S EARLIEST HOUSING ESTATES IS ALSO WHERE YOU CAN ENJOY THESE NATIONAL PASTIMES TO THE FULLEST.

Chey Sua Carrot Cake Blk 127, Toa Payoh Lorong 1, #02-30, Singapore 310127Chey Sua’s history dates back to the 1960s, when founder Tay Hoe Seng first started selling homemade chai tow kway (carrot cake) from a pushcart in Serangoon Gardens. Although his daughters now helm the stall in Toa Payoh, they still insist on making everything from scratch — from steaming the carrot cake to preparing the chilli.

The steamed carrot cake is cut into cubes, fried with a huge serving of eggs and caipoh (preserved radish),

then spread with a thin layer of chilli. Unlike the usual chai tow kway, Chey Sua’s version

is flatter and resembles a pancake. Beneath the crisp brown outer

layer is the moist and soft carrot cake, while the

chilli adds an extra kick. The Tays’ delicious

treatment of this humble dish earned

their version a listing in the Singapore Michelin Bib Gourmand two years in a row, in 2016

and 2017.

DID YOU KNOW? Chey Sua sells only the white version of carrot cake. The stall is open from 6am to 1pm daily (except Mondays), but drop by early to avoid disappointment!

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Eat, Drink IN TOA PAYOH!Merry

& Shop

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DID YOU KNOW? Creamier has partnered with The Food Bank Singapore (FBSG) to dedicate a section of the store named PIKO (short for “pick and go”) to host The Food Pantry 2.0, a concept featuring fully automated smart vending machines that dispense donated food at $2 per item. The machines also serve as a collection point for beneficiaries with issued RFID tags. Those who wish to donate non-perishable food can do so at PIKO, which also offers products such as frozen meals, snacks, and household items to bring greater convenience to residents.

CreamierBlk 131, Toa Payoh Lorong 1, #01-02, Singapore 310131One of the pioneering cafes that ushered in the first wave of ice cream and waffle parlours in the HDB heartlands back in 2011, Creamier is famous for its generous scoops of handcrafted ice cream. New branches have since opened at Gillman Barracks and Tiong Bahru, but it is the original location at Toa Payoh Lorong 1 that has the lion’s share of loyalists, who formed long lines before the shop’s closure in June 2019.

Thankfully, Creamier’s absence from the neighbourhood was short-lived, as the cafe made a comeback with its new space located just across the road from the former outlet! To our delight, the richness and taste of their ice cream remain gratifyingly good. We recommend crowd favourites like Earl Grey lavender, sea salt gula melaka (palm sugar), and pulut hitam (black glutinous rice).

BNC Retail @ Toa PayohBlk 178, Toa Payoh Central, #01-226, Singapore 310178 A frontrunner in the gardening and landscaping industry for over 50 years, Ban Nee Chen has diversified operations islandwide with its sprawling nurseries and now, retail shops that cater to the needs of gardening enthusiasts in the heartlands. Its retail store in Toa Payoh Central opened about a year ago, and offers an extensive selection of indoor and outdoor plants, flowers, and tools to indulge all levels of green fingers.

DID YOU KNOW? Apart from retail, Ban Nee Chen also provides a wide range of professional landscaping and design-and-build services for both consumers and industrial users.

I go past the shop every Sunday. I’m happy to have such a comprehensive shop in the neighbourhood. There’s no need to go to the nurseries anymore! – MDM WONG, 61, RETIREE

Around the Block

Phoon Huat Blk 107, Toa Payoh Lorong 1, #01-270, Singapore 310107Despite its well-earned reputation as a go-to for all baking needs, Phoon Huat offers a bigger treasure trove that goes beyond its core offerings of cake mixes and dairy products.

The surprise is in discovering ingredients for Western dishes are sold here, with myriad options for pizzas, pastas and soups available. Although there is no artisanal cheese, the outlet does stock soft types such as brie and camembert, sliced sandwich cheeses, and breaded

mozzarella sticks. You can even customise your own muesli with ingredients such as rolled oats, nuts and cereal!

DID YOU KNOW? On top of prices that are on par with or lower than regular supermarkets, Phoon Huat offers 10% storewide discount every Wednesday and Sunday.

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Eco-friendly LaneA WALK DOWN THE

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Punggol may be one of Singapore’s newest housing estates, but don’t let its modern facade trick you into thinking that it is just another concrete jungle. Earmarked as Singapore’s first eco-town, Punggol’s once rugged coastline has steadily transformed into a waterfront oasis primed for sustainable residential living.

In particular, Punggol Waterway and Treelodge@Punggol precincts represent the hallmarks of a vibrant eco-friendly town with lush greenery as well as innovatively designed recreational spaces and infrastructure.

To learn more about these iconic developments, Life Storeys joined the Explorer Trail, part of HDB’s Eco Learning Journeys, which offer participants a free 2.5-hour guided tour to discover the green pulse of Punggol.

Led by a professional tour guide, our 40-member group headed to Treelodge@Punggol, HDB’s first eco-precinct that harnesses natural elements to promote green living.

The precinct, which brings eco-friendly amenities closer to residents while fostering closer community ties, was completed in 2010. It is also a winner of the Green Mark Platinum award, a prestigious recognition for environmentally friendly buildings. This is evident from how the blocks are oriented to maximise natural cross-ventilation

and the use of self-cleansing paint on wall exteriors.

“I joined the Explorer Trail because I was interested to find out more about the sustainable features of Punggol,” explained Ms Maisie Koh, 24, who was there with her partner, Mr Tan Wei Hao, 27. “But what I really liked most about the activity was the stories that our guide shared of his childhood.”

Besides personal anecdotes, the tour’s programme shed light on how to fashion self-propelling toys from tapioca leaves, and the various types of edible plants grown at the community garden.

We headed next to My Waterway@Punggol, a riverine park a stone’s throw from Treelodge@Punggol. Punggol Waterway is Singapore’s longest man-made waterway. The 4.2km-long waterway meanders through the heart of Punggol, allowing visitors to enjoy water-based leisure activities or take a stroll along the promenade surrounded by natural foliage.

Here, the group paused to learn more about several types of trees growing at the park, such as “Singapore’s cherry blossoms” (Trumpet Tree or Tabebuia rosea, which in full bloom, cascades a blanket of pink blossoms), and the rubber tree.

Crossing the picturesque Kelong Bridge, we arrived at our last stop, a 160m-long preserved stretch of Old Punggol Road, where information panels outline Punggol’s history, including descriptions of the wild animals that once roamed the area. An old bus stop serves as a rest area and a throwback to a time when most bus stops sported these distinctive orange and white stripes.

Although she did not grow up in Punggol, Mdm Chua Heok, who is in her sixties, recalled her visits to the area when she was younger — in particular, the pig farms, the last

ONCE HOME TO AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITIES FROM PIG FARMING TO FISHERIES, PUNGGOL’S CHANGING FORTUNES AND FACELIFT HAVE CULMINATED IN A SHOWPIECE OF MODERN ECO-LIVING.

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Around the Block

Eco-friendly Lane

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of which closed in 1990. “Things have certainly changed but I can almost still ‘smell’ the stench from the former pig farms here! Punggol is so nice and green now, and I will definitely come back to visit with my family,” she added.

To find out more about the Eco Trails, visit https://www.hdb.gov.sg/cs/infoweb/ecolearning.

The guided tour allows participants to gain a better understanding of the history of and the eco-friendly features in Punggol

I joined the Explorer Trail because I was interested to find out more about the sustainable features of Punggol. – MS MAISIE KOH, 24

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Born in the 1950s, the Merdeka Generation was raised during a tumultuous period before and after Singapore’s independence. This is the generation that went through the struggle against colonialism and communism; they witnessed the racial riots and were instrumental in Singapore’s survival after the separation from Malaysia.

To recognise their contributions, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong first announced the Merdeka Generation Package (MGP) during his National Day Rally in 2018. The

SENIORS NOT ONLY LEARNED MORE ABOUT THEIR BENEFITS, BUT ALSO HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO ENGAGE WITH THEIR COMMUNITY AT THE MERDEKA GENERATION ROADSHOWS.

AGEING WITH Benefits

package, which serves to defray healthcare costs and promote active ageing, will be offered to some 500,000 eligible Singaporeans.

Starting from June 2019, a total of 23 community roadshows have been progressively organised islandwide to educate and engage the seniors on the benefits of the MGP and other care schemes.

A wealth of information Held in the heartlands, the roadshows were met with huge turnouts. At each roadshow, booths

set up by People’s Association (PA), Health Promotion Board (HPB), and Sport Singapore (SportSG) aimed to encourage seniors to join active living programmes.

Event-goers had the chance to take part in workshops, such as DIY body scrub, basic Pastel Nagomi Art and air-dry clay art. Those who signed up for PA courses on the spot could also redeem exclusive collectibles.

Silver Generation Ambassadors were on hand to provide

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Our Life Stories

13

one-to-one consultation for those who required clarifications or had feedback. Visitors could also pick up a comic book based on the theme of Lao Fu Zi (Old Master Q), with essential details on the MGP. The book also lists resources, such as career support and lifelong learning programmes, and care services, which the seniors can tap into.

In addition, the seniors were rendered digital literacy tips, such as downloading of useful apps (Wireless@SG and Healthy365, for example), signing up for MGP’s WhatsApp service to receive updates, and registering or resetting a SingPass account.

Game for golden years It wasn’t all serious, however. One event highlight that attracted long queues was the Spin & Win booth, where participants snagged useful goodies, such as water bottles, umbrellas, cooler bags, and airtight containers.

The seniors particularly enjoyed the games where they could win prizes by demonstrating their understanding of the MGP, as well as interact with local celebrities, including Rahimah Rahim, Marcus Chin, Kym Ng, Mastura Ahmad, and Pornsak. The latter proved to be a hit with the crowd at the Clementi roadshow as throngs formed lines to snap a shot with him at the Lao Fu Zi photo booth.

Other stage activities, which varied according to the different locations, included a skit on dementia by HPB, a sketch on cyber safety and scams by the Media Literacy Council, exercise demonstrations by SportSG, and performances by PA interest groups.

The roadshow helps raise

awareness about the MGP. Those who only knew of some of the benefits previously can now have a better idea of the package by coming here. I also had fun collecting the freebies, and the skit performances are very informative!MR TAN, 66, CLEANER

BENEFITS OF

MERDEKA GENERATION PACKAGE

1 One-time $100 top-up to PAssion Silver cards

Use it to pay for activities at community clubs, utilise ActiveSG pools and gyms, make purchases at selected merchants, take public transport, and more.

2 $200 annual MediSave top-up

Get the top-up every year until 2023. This can help to pay for health screenings, chronic disease management, outpatient treatments, hospitalisation, care scheme premiums, among others.

3 Additional outpatient care subsidies

Enjoy special Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) subsidies for common illnesses, chronic conditions, and dental procedures. Get an additional 25% off subsidised bills at polyclinics and public Specialist Outpatient Clinics.

4 More incentive to join CareShield Life

Receive an extra $1,500 “participation incentive” — on top of the previously announced $2,500 — when you join CareShield Life. This can offset your annual premiums for over 10 years.

5 Additional MediShield Life premium subsidies

These subsidies start from 5% of MediShield Life premiums, and will increase to 10% after your 75th birthday. This translates to a discount between $31.50 and $918, depending on the premium amount.

I heard about the roadshow on the radio, so I came to see Rahimah Rahim. It’s a good opportunity to mix around. I chatted and made friends with people around my age.

JAMIAH BTE SHAN, 61, PRODUCTION OPERATOR

5

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We may get on in years, but our inner child still resides within us. Embracing that childlike sense of wonder can help us rediscover life with a fresh perspective. That’s what Lee Kow Fong, better known by his pen name Ah Guo, seeks to accomplish with his works.

A prolific columnist, illustrator and author, Ah Guo has earned a

SINGAPOREAN ARTIST LEE KOW FONG DRAWS INSPIRATION FROM THE HEARTLANDS TO INJECT A LIVELY LOCAL SPIN INTO HIS WHIMSICAL

WATERCOLOUR ILLUSTRATIONS.

Draw ngFOR KEEPS

reputation and a strong following with his distinctive works. Besides authoring and illustrating four series of picture books for children, he has also ventured successfully into merchandising, with his illustrations adorning items from tote bags and towels to cushion covers, stationery, and more.

In February 2019, Singapore Press Holdings’ Chinese Media Group

endowed the 48-year-old with a rent-free studio for his tenure as its first artist-in-residence. Life Storeys paid him a visit at his cosy workspace, where he shared with us more about his extraordinary journey.

How did you acquire your moniker? When I was in junior college, I used to submit my writing to the Chinese

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Our Life Stories

GET YOUR ART FIX Visit Ah Guo’s (@kowfong) ongoing art exhibition Whimsical Reality at Singapore Flyer. Open daily from 10am to 8pm, with a selection of merchandise available.

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I find the void deck such an intriguing space. Despite its name, the void deck is not empty at all; rather, because it is “void”, anything is possible.

way of life through my works. This prompted me to start on a nostalgic-themed series depicting traditional playgrounds, old bus stops and heritage buildings, which turned out to be very well received.

These days, my drawings are related to daily life. I’m currently working on a hawker centre series, which is so fun to draw! Kopitiams and hawker centres are places that I pass by every day, and where I make interesting observations. When I witness heartwarming moments, such as an elderly man and his grandson having breakfast together, I’ll record these down to recreate in my illustrations later.

What’s your favourite part about living in an HDB flat? I lived in a kampung until I was five years old, and I’ve been residing in an HDB flat ever since. It is my living space and it provides me with a lot of creative inspiration. In particular, I find the void deck such an intriguing space: sometimes, you see the elderly chit-chatting or playing chess; kids playing; or weddings, parties and wakes being held there. Despite its name, the void deck is not empty at all; rather, because it is “void”, anything is possible.

Any advice for aspiring artists? When I meet illustrators in their 30s, I envy them as, unlike myself, they have the luxury of time to explore, make mistakes, and develop their talent. Time is of the essence; so if you are very certain that this is what you want, go for it while you are young. However, before you take that leap of faith, do consider building a sizeable portfolio first, which will help convince people that you can produce quality work.

like look. If you look at the works of different illustrators around the world, you’d realise that some of their styles are actually very sophisticated and meant to be appreciated by adults. During my visual storytelling, I use my own imagination liberally and this results in boundless possibilities. My vision is to create picture books that are not only enjoyed by children, but also adults.

There’s a distinctive local flavour in some of your works. Why is that so?When I first started watercolour painting, I didn’t incorporate any local elements. It was in 2015 when Mr Lee Kuan Yew passed away that I painted three portraits of him that deviated from my usual style. It struck me then that I could convey the local

Our Life Stories

papers. The trend then was to use a pen name and I wanted one that didn’t sound too “artistic”. Aptly enough, the “Fong” in my name represents good harvest, and indeed, I hope to reap fruitful results in whatever I do.

When did you discover your passion for drawing?I’ve enjoyed drawing since young but I didn’t attend any art classes. Although I took Art Elective Programme (AEP) as an O-level subject, my subsequent endeavours still focused more on Chinese studies and writing, rather than art. Drawing was more of a personal hobby. Then came the rise of blogging, which spurred me to create one to share my writing. At the time, most people were posting photos but I wanted to include my own drawings.

How has your professional journey as an artist been like so far, given that such a career is not exactly common in Singapore? I joined Ngee Ann Polytechnic as a lecturer in 2007. Along the way, I had opportunities to freelance as an illustrator, before I took a 1.5-year break in 2009 to obtain a Master of Arts (MA) degree in children’s book illustration in the UK. Although I returned to Singapore in 2011, it wasn’t until two years ago that I finally decided to resign from full-time teaching.

Initially I felt insecure and wondered if I could survive. In fact, I still do adjunct teaching at Ngee Ann, while working on commissioned assignments. I also collaborate with my friend’s company to produce merchandise that feature my illustrations. I’ve put up several original paintings for purchase, too.

Why children’s book illustrations in particular?I like writing original stories and complementing the words with drawings. There’s a misconception that illustrations for children’s picture books require a certain kiddy or Disney-

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HappyTHE AVERAGE ADULT WOULD CONSUME AN EXTRA 500 KCAL A DAY FROM FESTIVE SNACKING. HERE IS A GUIDE ON HOW MUCH EXERCISE YOU NEED TO EXPEND THE EXCESS CALORIES.

Workout: recommended duration varies based on intensity

16

Belly

LOVE LETTER

56 kcal

per piece

WORKOUT

• Walk 17min • Stair-climbing 8min• Household chores 20min

EAT YOUR WAY THROUGH FESTIVE SEASONS WITHOUT RISKING UNHEALTHY REPERCUSSIONS.

1 LOAD UP ON FIBRES FIRSTResearch has shown that people

who go supermarket shopping while feeling peckish tend to make more impulsive and calorie-laden purchases. Visiting your relatives on an empty stomach is likely to trigger the same behaviour, with all the treats becoming even more irresistible.

KUEH LAPIS(multi-layered butter cake)

237 kcal

per slice

WORKOUT

• Walk 73min• Swim 35min• Household chores 90min

CNY goodies are usually low in nutrients and therefore should not be meal substitutes. Avoid skipping your regular meals before visiting — foods that are rich in fibre and vitamin C will help you stay full over longer periods, so you naturally cut down on snacking.

2 PRIORITISE PROTEIN At the dining table, identify the lean protein (such as

skinless chicken, fish, and soy-based foods) first. Protein is a satiating macronutrient that

stimulates the release of peptides in the gut, which then signals to your brain that you are full. If you are at a buffet or potluck party, be more selective and not pile some of everything on your plate.

3 PACE YOURSELF Did you know it takes about 20 minutes before your brain

registers that you are full? Avoid overeating during this lapse by chewing your food slowly, which aids digestion, too. To trick your mind, try eating off a smaller plate

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17

BAK KWA

370 kcal

per slice

WORKOUT

• Walk 113min• Jog 47min• Household chores 140min

SPICY DRIED SHRIMP ROLL

23 kcal

per piece

WORKOUT

• Walk 7min• Skip 2.5min• Household chores 7min

PINEAPPLE TART

93 kcal

per piece

WORKOUT

• Walk 28min • Jumping jacks 25min• Household chores 30min

KUEH BANGKIT

(coconut cookies)

15 kcal

per piece

WORKOUT

• Brisk Walk 5min• Carry a baby 5min• Household chores 5min

or nibbling smaller pieces of bak kwa (sliced barbecued pork).

4 AVOID EATING THREE HOURS BEFORE BEDA sore throat in the wake of

the holidays could be a result of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), which happens when stomach acid travels up the oesophagus and causes inflammation of the larynx (voice box). To minimise LPR from occurring, stop eating when you feel nearly full and at least three to four hours before sleeping, as that is the

rough amount of time it takes for food to fully digest.

5 DON’T SNUB HOMEMADE GRUB Preparing meals at home

is not only economical and cosy, but you are also in control of the amount of salt, oil and sugar that goes into every dish. Consider making your own healthier version of the prosperity raw fish salad (yusheng) by substituting plum sauce with a lime and honey mixture, and using crushed

nuts or chia seeds in place of deep-fried crackers.

6 QUENCH YOUR THIRSTWe may sometimes mistake thirst for hunger and end up

snacking when we really should be drinking. To tell the difference, reach for a glass of water first. If the hydration makes you feel better, then you probably weren’t hungry in the first place. Water also contains zero calories, while soft drinks and alcohol have at least 150 calories per serving.

Livin’ It Up

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Take OurReaders’

Answer some questions and stand to win shopping vouchers!

Log on to http://hdb.gov.sg/lifestoreys for the questions and submit your answers.

Survey

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